Senate Passes Peters’ Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Blue Star Mothers
Blue Star Mothers of America First Met in Flint; Resolution Designated February 1, 2023 as Blue Star Mother’s Day
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) and U.S Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), designating February 1st, 2023 as Blue Star Mother’s Day. This day of recognition honors the sacrifices and contributions made by the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, and foster mothers of our nation’s servicemembers – and commemorates the 81th anniversary of the first Blue Star Mothers gathering in Flint, Michigan.
In 1942, the Flint News Advertiser ran an ad that asked mothers of servicemen to share their stories and experiences. The response they received was overwhelming, and led hundreds of mothers to gather days later on February 1st to form a permanent coalition to support servicemembers and their families, now called the Blue Star Mothers of America.
“Blue Star Mothers are a source of support and solace not only for our brave men and women in uniform, but also for each other and all those with loved ones in the service,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “I was proud to introduce and help pass this bipartisan resolution that recognizes Blue Star Mothers in Michigan and across the country. Their service and sacrifice is an inspiration and we owe them our thanks and unwavering support.”
“As proud mothers of US Armed Forces troops and Veterans, Blue Star Mothers of America will continue to recognize the memory of all the men and women who have served our country as members of the Armed Forces,” said Blue Star Mothers National President Stacy Anders. “We sincerely appreciate this honor and recognition.”
“Blue Star Mothers of America was founded in 1942 in Flint, Michigan. The organization provides support for active duty service personnel, promotes patriotism, assists Veterans organizations, and is available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong,” said Jacqueline Ransom, President of the Department of Michigan Blue Star Mothers of America.
The over 200 active chapters of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. continue to build a supportive community both for veterans and the mothers of servicemembers. These chapters organize events in Michigan and around the nation to help pack and ship care packages to servicemembers, visit hospitalized veterans, help homeless veterans, support wounded warriors and honor fallen heroes during funeral services.
Peters has previously led this effort and helped pass similar resolutions to continue to honor Blue Star Mothers and their sacrifices.
In 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation’s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act into law. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. Last Congress, Peters’ bipartisan bill to strengthen transparency and communication for veterans and caregivers participating in the VA’s caregiver program was enacted into law. Additionally, Peters’ bipartisan legislation to expand apprenticeship opportunities for veterans and allow them to use their GI bill benefits to secure a registered apprenticeship was signed into law.
Senator Peters volunteered for the U.S. Navy Reserve and served for over a decade in units at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. He earned a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist designation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Peters volunteered again for the service after the September 11th terrorist attacks.
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